Sir, - I have been following with interest the discussions regarding the Abbey Theatre development as I am a dedicated theatregoer.
Being an Englishman with my heart and work in Irish theatre, I rarely miss a production at the Abbey or Peacock. I believe that the theatre, rather than putting new onto old, must be completely rebuilt. This would give architects and theatre people a chance to join forces and create a theatre that is worthy of Ireland.
A suggestion has been made that there could be three auditoriums so that you could produce plays by writers gone by, such as O'Casey, with plays by established writers of today, alongside new writing for tomorrow.
The Abbey also must be a living theatre where people call in for snacks and meals and meet friends during the day, not just when the play is on. This might encourage non-theatre people to see plays. The entrance has to be eye-catching and not tucked away as at present. Ireland has some of the greatest writers and performers in the world, not forgetting other creative talents such as directors and designers, and they deserve the best possible spaces to work in. Whatever happens, I wish the venture well and look forward to many more years of happy theatregoing. - Yours, etc.,
Terry Patmore, Clapham Common, London.